Scarlett Sheriff speaks to Bristol students about their relationship with their spirituality at university.
As a loose Catholic, who went to a Catholic school, I often miss Church. However I also struggle with the supposed contradiction between my liberal views and my faith.
I view myself as a socialist, which is certainly far removed from the traditionally conservative stereotype, nevertheless I see an important role for God and have attempted to shine a light on the differing and varied perspectives of religious students within our university.
Religion and spiritual experiences are varied and complex- especially for the millennial generation who practice in a globalised and increasingly more integrated and connected world.
'To me, Judaism is mostly cultural - I would definitely call myself more ‘liberal’ than ‘conservative’'
I spoke to Helena Raymond who views Judaism as something that is cultural to her and brings her closer to her family but also who practices her faith as a way to gain discipline.
‘To me, Judaism is mostly cultural - I would definitely call myself more ‘liberal’ than ‘conservative’, I absolutely adore all the Jewish festivals and family occasions, Passover definitely trumps Christmas in my opinion.
‘I take issue with aspects of the Old Testament, as many others do too but I think there are some lessons to be learned from it. Belief in god is really personal, and I think it varies person to person wildly, but personally I have a less defined position on who or what God is than what traditional Judaism dictates.
‘At university I have found people to be mostly understanding of my practice and not ask too many probing questions when I refuse to eat bread for a week in April, or participate in a 25 hour fast for Yom Kippur.
‘As a Jewish student, you are forced into being some kind of spokesperson for Israel unfortunately, and people can get very hostile about that, unfoundedly conflating Judaism and Zionism. Aside from that, I have found Bristol to be very welcoming and accepting.’
I spoke to firm Protestant, a fresher Andy Slater and member of the CU at Bristol about how he feels his faith has been received at the university.
'Living with a real faith in Jesus in today's world is a fairly radical thing when so much of the church is dying'
'I arrived at Bristol in September this year, knowing that my faith was really important to me, but unsure what believing in Jesus would look like whilst being at university. Because I'm living in halls this year with so many different people, it’s been amazing to chat about faith, hearing what my friends believe, and sharing my thoughts with them.
‘People are so accepting, and curious to hear and understand more about why I believe what I believe. Living with a real faith in Jesus in today's world is a fairly radical thing when so much of the church is dying, and that alone is often enough to start people asking questions.
‘People are curious, challenging, but ultimately loving, and it’s been a joy to see how faithful God has been, but also how faithful my friends are in encouraging me in something which is so important to me. My faith to me is so much more than just a Sunday thing, and I want to live a life that reflects my belief in a living, active, passionate God. Choosing to do that every day is much easier because I feel like I live in a place where that is totally acceptable.'
All human beings are social beings and Andy like all the other students I spoke to is neither insular nor closed off, rather warm, welcoming and extremely willing to talk about his faith as well as crack a fantastic joke.
For Srishti Jain her Jainism is a connection with her home of Chandigarh in India and gives her a sense of calm.
'Jainism isn’t really recognized by the university as an official religion'
'Jainism isn’t really recognized by the university as an official religion. But my practice of Jainism is such that I don’t really get into the rituals. If I am feeling low there are a few chants that I usually turn to, saying them in my mind gives me a sense of peace. Jainism is a way of life and an ideology that preaches peace and non-violence to all forms of life so maintaining my vegetarianism and wishing good on everyone upholds my belief in Jainism.
It is quite subtle as there is no society or recognition because it’s a rather niche religion.’
Religion doesn't have to be organised or shown off - it can simply be a discipline and a way of life. Religious practice for many people comes above all in how they act.
Some students I spoke to take note of the dangers that happen when religion becomes too political and also talks about the charitable role that religion can have. Katie Hall told me of her experiences growing up in Northern Ireland and the perspective that this has given her.
'Growing up in a religious society (Northern Ireland) taught me the importance of separating religion from politics. LGBT and women's rights continue to be denied using Christian theology as justification. For example, our politicians fail to understand that legalising gay marriage doesn't mean they're required to have a marriage.
'Growing up in Northern Ireland taught me the importance of separating religion from politics. LGBT and women's rights continue to be denied using Christian theology as justification'
It has also taught me how wonderful people acting out their faith can be, for example homework clubs, food banks and many other community projects are run by churches. However, I worry this provision has made our government apathetic about the fact that is their responsibility to ensure children have a good education and families are able to have food on the table.'
Lastly, I spoke to Aadil Hakim who grew up in a Muslim family but feels his faith has changed and evolved, as well as withstood some testing throughout his time at Bristol. ‘I found that living in Bristol has been far less accommodating regarding Islam. During my first year I often wanted to pray on Friday lunchtime (Jummah namaz- the most important prayers of the week), but was not aware of any Mosques or local prayer rooms for Muslims.
I feel because of this I may have fallen into a routine of not praying as often as I would have at home in London, where there is not only greater accessibility to prayer rooms, but also halal food and generally a greater Muslim population which only encourages you to be a Muslim.
'I may have fallen into a routine of not praying as often as I would have at home in London, where there is not only greater accessibility to prayer rooms, but also halal food'
'When I was younger I feel my approach to Islam was very much routine based, I did it because my family did it at home, or it was something I could do with my Muslim friends. As I grew older, going to university in London and now in Bristol I feel my approach became less diligent, I feel this is probably happening because I am spending less time with family and friends who are actively Muslim. Despite the fact that I have distanced from the routine practises, I feel my intrinsic spiritual belief that there is one God (Allah) and his prophet (Muhammad) has remained strong.’
Interestingly, in some sense the religious views, personal lives and upbringing of the interviewees seem to intersect. Each person was influenced by their personal experiences, which serves to suggest that religion for students is spiritual, deeply felt and individual.
Featured image: Aaron Burden
Are you a religious student at Bristol? Do you think Bristol Uni does enough to make religious students feel accepted? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
